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E 203 
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Historic Letters 




Copyright, 1896, by C. S. Drn.lluril. 

A Portrait of George Washington. 
Painted at Valley Forge, 1778, by Charles Willson Pcale. Presented 
to the Chester County Cabinet by. John Neagle in 1841. Now the 
property of the West Chester State Normal School. 



Historic Letters 



FROM 



THE COLLECTION 



OF THE 



West Chester 



State Normal School 



Compiled by GEO. MORRIS PHILIPS 

PRINCIPAL 




PHILADELPHIA 

PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 

Mdcccxcviii 



[For Private Distribution] 



T5S 









Preface. 



' I ^HE following letters are selected from the 
collection of autograph letters and docu- 
ments belonging to the State Normal School, at 
West Chester, Pennsylvania. As will be noticed, 
most of them are of the Revolutionary period. 
These are a part of General Anthony Wayne's 
letters, and were, with others, given by his son, 
Isaac Wayne, to the Chester County Athenaeum, 
a literary association organized in West Chester 
in 1827. Later they became a part of the col- 
lection of the Chester County Cabinet of Nat- 
ural Science. And when the West Chester State 
Normal School was opened in 1871, together 
with the other possessions of the Cabinet, they 
became the property of the School. The others 
are from a collection of the correspondence of 
General Persifer F. Smith of the United States 
Army, which was presented to the School by 
Robert E. Monaghan, of West Chester. 

These letters are now published in order to pre- 
vent the loss of their contents by any possible 
accident to the originals, and also with the hope 
that they may be of some interest, and possibly of 
some value, to students of American history. It 
may be of interest to add that the original copies 
of these letters are all entirely in the handwriting 
of the senders, with the exception of those from 

3 



PREFACE. 

Zachary Taylor and Jefferson Davis, which are 
merely signed by their authors. It is scarcely 
necessary to add that as regards spelling, punctu- 
ation, capital letters, abbreviations, etc., the letters 
have been reproduced exactly as written. 

The compiler desires to acknowledge the aid 
of Miss Alice Cochran, the efficient librarian 
of the School, in preparing these letters for the 

printer. 

G. M. P. 

State Normal School, 

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 

November i, 1897. 




General Anthony Wayne's Telescope. 
Presented by Isaac Wayne to the Chester County Cabinet of 
Natural Science in 1831. Now the property of the West 
Chester State Normal School. 



Historic Letters. 



BENEDICT ARNOLD TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

Albany Nov' 25* 1776. 

Dear Colonel 

I received yours of the 20'^ Ins*" & am much 
obhged to you for your Caution, which I assure 
you, was needless, you are right to suppose I will 
Act the Soldier, necessity obliges, — The Enemy 
have taken Fort Washington, (after an obstinate 
Defence), & made the Garrison, consisting of 
Near Two Thousand Men Prisoners, the, Loss on 
neither side is ascertained, the Enemies is supposed 
to be very Considerable, as, our Troops disputed 
their lines with them Two or three hours — The 
Enemy have Crossed over, to the Jersey shore, 
& a great Fireing has been heard. Near Bergen, 
Rumor Says. Fort Lee is Also taken, this wants 
Confirmation, Col" De Haas & Several Regi- 
ments are gone of this morning to Join Genl 
Washington on the Jersey side. Poor,- is also 
ordered, there, as probably will be all the Troops 
who come from Tyonderoga 

Nothing can be determined, with Respect to a 
Fleet untill, the determination of Congress is 
known. The Captains who, have engaged for the 
Warr, must be supplied with, Money to Rein- 
list, their Men, & pay of those whose times are, 

5 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



expired — I could wish a Captain Retained tor 
each Vessell, to InHst as many Men as possible, 
one half of whom Officers & Men might go 
home on Furloughs for one Month as soon as 
the Ice [thickens?] & the others in turn — 

To'morrow I set of to Join Genl. Washington, 
& shall be glad to hear from you from Time to 

time 

I am with Comp^ to the Gentlemen with you 
Dear Colonel 

Your obed Hble Serv'- 

B Arnold 

PS. This minute an Express is Arived from 
Gen! Washington who confirms the Ace- of Fort 
Washingtons being taken, & says Fort Lee has 
bin Abandoned by our People after takeing out 
the Stores Cannon &c &c 

B A 

(Outside address) 

On Publick Service 
To 
Colonel Antony Wayne 

Commanding at Ticonderoga. 

Albany 
B Arnold 



GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

Philadelphia i 8'^ March 1777. 

Dear Wayne 

I sincerely wish you Joy of being Appointed 
a Brigadier General and of the Good News re- 
ceived Yesterday from Doctor Franklyn, who 
writes from France the begining of December 

6 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



last, & Says a General War in Europe is upon 
the Point of being Declared — I have been Labour- 
ing to procure You some Respite from the Toils 
you have undergone, and once more a happy 
meeting with M? Wayne, the Congress have 
at length Resolved that One Major General be 
immediately sent to Albany, Two Brigadiers 
General to Tyonderoga, One to Benington & 
Steensborough, and One to Number 4. when 
those Arrive at Ty. I hope you will set out Im- 
mediately for Philadelphia — 

Colonel Wood acquaints me, that Major, now 
Lieut: Col: Hay, has not expended any of the 
5000 Dollars I left in his Hands, in the necessary 
Use, & Services of the Garrison, for which, it 
was solely intended ; I desire you will in my 
Name Demand, not only the reason why my 
Orders were not complyed with, but an Accompt 
how that Particular Sum was disposed of 

The Enemy have hitherto made a miserable 
hand of it in the Jerseys, by Killed, taken, 
Desertion, & Death, they must have lost 3000 
Men at least — This City seems Quieted from its 
Fears, as it is Generaly believed, it is now im- 
practicable for British Army to make its way 
here — Various are the Reports of the part to be 
Acted upon both Sides the ensuing Campaign, 
nay, it is even immagined by some, that the 
whole British Force is going to Virginia, this, I 
will only believe when I see it, why they should 
depart from their Original plan I cannot con- 
ceive, depend upon it when they do, their Ruin 
will only be the more speedy & Certain. 

7 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



You would Frequently have heard from me 
had I been certain of a safe conveyance to your 
Hands. This goes with the Congress Packet, 
which the Messenger is Ordered to deliver him- 
self — Messengers of Congress are at length to be 
establishd from this City to Tyonderoga, and 
this is not the Only change you will see, that I 
am satisfied you will not disapprove — believe me 
ever with every Friendly Wish 

Your Affectionate 

Humble Servant 

Horatio Gates 

I rejoice your Caissons, & bridge are in such 
Forwardness, cannot a Boom at the Old place, be 
constructed in that manner, or in one more Trim, 

if possible : if so, lose no Time in doing it 

begin a Large Garden, as soon as the Ground 
will admit — 

(General Wayne.) 



GENERAL PICKERING TO GENERAL WAYNE. 
Head Quarters at Skippack Sept. 30. 1777. 

Sir, 

His Excellency the Commander in Chief 
directs that vou march vour division to-morrow 
morning as early as possible to this Camp, to the 
ground allotted for you in the rear. 

I am, Sir, your h'ble Servant 

Tim Pickering A. G. 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL WAYNE. 
York Town 24 April 1778 

My dear General Wayne 

The Reverend M^ M'^Curdy, who has exerted 
himself in the Defence of his Country in a very 
Disinterested Manner, wishes to be establisd as 
a Chaplain in a Brigade under your Command 
and has applied to me for that purpose — 

I have the best Opinion of his Zeal and good 
& upright Intentions for our Salvation as a 
people ; free and independent we shall probably 
be with Respect to the powers of Darkness on 
this Globe and it will not I trust be his Fault if 
we do not inherit Freedom & Independence of 
all wicked powers in the Life to come. 

In a few Words I beg your Interest & Atten- 
tion for M'' M'^Curdy and am with much Friend- 
ship. Your aff. 

Thomas Mifflin 



GENERAL SULLIVAN TO GENERAL WAYNE. 
Head Quarters Novem'' 8 1778 

Dear General 

I had the pleasure of your favor by Doct"" Til- 
lotson & have waited in Expectation of answering 
it by himselt he now Sets out for your Quarter 
& will Deliver this to you. I have found him 
in Every Respect that agreeable Faithful & So- 
ciable Gentleman you described 

one part of Your Letter gave me much pain 
which Contained these words viz " we once were 

9 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



Friends" The implication in those words was 
too Strong not to Strike my attention & I Soon 
Guessd y^ meaning but beheve me my D' Sir 
that the Little Sallies of passion which often occur 
in human Life The Difference of Judgment which 
often happens among men who Act themselves 
or Even some few Instances of Indiscretions if I 
had Ever Discovered Such in General Waine 
(which I Confess I have not) could not have 
occasioned my forgetting his Efforts to Serve his 
Country and give Satisfaction to those who have 
had the Honor to Command him. I have had 
the pleasure of being Acquainted with your mili- 
tary Talents Since the Campaign in Canada & 
cannot without being Guilty of Ingratitude forget 
that you were once Deservedly my friend nor 
could I pardon myself at this time if I neglected 
to assure you by this opportunity That my friend- 
ship for & attachment to your person and Char- 
acter have been Regularly Increasing without the 
Least Interruption. I have now the honor to 
assure you that I am with the 

highest Esteem, Dear Sir your most 

assured friend & Humble Serv' 

Jn° Sulliv^\n 
B Genl Waine 

(Outside address) 

{on publick Service) 

Brigadier General Waine 

Head garters 
M G Sullivan 



lO 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



GENERAL WM. IRVINE TO GENERAL WAYNE. 
Camp Smiths Clove July lo 1779 — 

Dear General 

I returned here last night late — & found in 
General orders that Magonigle — who I had tryed 
at the Furnace was to be hanged this morning 
at ten oClock, I marched the whole Division to 
the Execution (, that were off duty), I cant say 
I ever felt pleased or happy before at the death or 
suffering of any poor Wretch — but what added 
to it was to see the head of a Corporal of the 
1^' Regt. who also left us at the furnace stuck up 
on the Gallows He was taken two nights ago by 
a party of Major Lees — who it seems were at 
first determined to kill all but on consultation or 
debate agreed to kill only one out of three — 
it fell to the Corporals lott — whose Head was 
Immediately carried to Camp on a pole by the 
two who escaped instant Death — these two Vil- 
lains were of the same Regiment and have been 
tryed here this day — presume they will meet the 
same fate, — 

I hope in future Death will be the punishment 
for all such — I planly see less will not do — poor 
Magonigle behaved well at his Death — Tho he 
said no more than that he forgave all the World 
— I hope this & few more examples will have a 
good effect — indeed our fellows behaved as well 
on the occasion as I could wish — 

I have not only spoke to Doctor M'fKenzie but 
advised him to wait on you — I know if he can 
get an appointment as Director — or Chief Sur- 
geon to the Corps — he will gladly stay with you 

II * 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



the Campaign — I also saw Doctor Skinner this 
day, who told me he would go & stay with Butler 
as his Surgeon — By order of His Excellency the 
Officers will meet this morning to devise some 
plan — or consult what will be best to do about 
the disputed Inlistments — which is the pretended 
cause of all this Mischief — General Smallwood 
has now got a fellow Confined — who formerly 
Deserted from us to the Enemy — came out lately 
& claimed the benefit of His Excellencys Proc- 
lamation — was pardoned Went to the Maryland 
line and there Inlisted several men for the King 
of England — Six of Whom — all of one Reg', 
actually went off — & others who detected him 
were to meet him in the Mountains leading to 
Haverstraw — where he said he had hard Money 
hid — Notwithstanding all this has been plumply 
proven by many Evidences — it is thought he wih 
escape with a hunf lashes^ Should this be the 
case & a practice made of letting off such 
atrocious offenders there is an end of Service — we 
may as well drop the matter & discharge all at 
once with some Grace — however this I scarce 
think possible, and hope shold such a stupid 
sentence have taken place — the General will not 
think of Confirming it. 

I am Dear Gen! 

Yours Sincerely 

WY Irvine 
GenV Wayne 

The Rascal who was Recruiting in the Mary- 
land line formerly belonged to the Congress Regt : 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



— he promised several Commissions provided they 
took off a certain number to Rank in proportion 

(Outside address) 

Brigadier General Ari{ Wayne 

favi by Doctor M\Kenzie 

Fort Montgomery 
W"' Irwine 



GENERAL WAYNE TO GENERAL WASHING- 
TON. 

Official Report of the Capture of Stony Point. 

Stoney Point 17th July 1779 

Sir 

I have now the honor of giving your Excel- 
lency a full & particular ace' of the Reduction 
of this post by the Light troops under my Com- 
mand 

On the 1 5'^ Instant at 1 2, OClock we took up 
our line of March from Sandy Beach distant 
about 14 Miles from this place — the roads being 
exceeding bad & narrow & having to pass over 
high Mountains & thro' such deep Morasses 
and difficult defiles that we were Obliged the 
greatest part of the way to move in single files, — 
at 8, OClock in the evening the Van arrived at a 
M^ SpringSteels within one Mile & a half of the 
Enemy's lines & formed into Columns as fast as 
they came up agreeable to the Order of Battle 
herewith transmitted, (vide Order) — Col° Febiger's 
& Col° Meigs's Regiments with Major Hull's 
detatchment formed the Right Column — Col° 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



Butler's Regiment and Major Murphy's two Com- 
panies the Left 

The troops remained in this position until sev- 
eral of the Principal Officers with myself had 
returned from Reconnoitring the Works, — at half 
after Eleven (being the hour fixed on) the whole 
moved forward — the Van of the Right was 
Composed of One Hundred & fifty Volunteers 
properly Officered with fixed Bayonets & Un- 
loaded Muskets, under the Command of Lieut 
Col° Fleury preceded by twenty picked men 
headed by a vigilant Officer to remove the Ab- 
batis & other Obstructions 

The Van of the Left consisted of One Hun- 
dred Volunteers also with fixed Bayonets & 
unloaded Muskets under the Conduct of Major 
Steward these were likewise preceded by twenty 
men under a Brave & Determined Officer 

At 12 OClock the assault was to begin on 
the Right & left flanks of the Enemy's Works, — 
& Major Murphey to amuse them in front, — 
but from the Obstructions thrown in our way & 
a deep Morass surrounding their whole front and 
overflowed by the tide rendering the Approaches 
more difficult than at first apprehended, it was 
about twenty minutes after twelve before the as- 
sault began — previous to which I placed myself at 
the Head of Febiger's Regiment or Right Column 
& gave the troops the most pointed Orders not 
to Attempt to fire, but put their whole depend- 
ance on the Bayonet — which was most faithfully 
& Literally obeyed, — neither the deep morass, 
the formidable & double rows of Abbatis or the 

H 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



high and strong works in front & flank could 
damp the Ardor of the troops — who in the face 
of a most tremendous & Incessant fire of Mus- 
ketry, & from Artillery loaded with shells & 
Grape shot forced their way at the point of the 
Bayonet thro' every Obsticle, — both Columns 
meeting in the Centre of the Enemy's works 
nearly at the same Instant 

too much praise cannot be given to Lieut 
Colonel Fleury (who struck the enemy's Standard 
with his own hand) & to Major Steward who 
Commanded the Advanced parties, for their brave 
& prudent Conduct, Colonels Butler, Meigs, 
& Febiger conducted themselves with that cool- 
ness, bravery & perseverance that ever will ensure 
success ; Lieut. Col° Hay was wounded in the 
thigh bravely fighting at the head of his Bat- 
talion : — I should take up too much of your 
Excellency's time was I to particularise every 
Individual who deserves it for his bravery on this 
Occasion, however, I must acknowledge myself 
Indebted to Major Lee for the frequent and useful 
Intelligence he gave me & which Contributed 
much to the Success of this enterprize, — & 
it's with the greatest pleasure I acknowledge to 
you that I was Supported in the attack by all 
the Officers & Soldiers to the utmost of my 
wishes, & Return my thanks to the Officers 
& privates of Artillery for their alertness in 
turning the Cannon against the Enemy's works 
at Verplanks point & their Shiping which slipt 
their cables and Immediately droped down the 
River 

15 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



I should be wanting in gratitude was I to omit 
mentioning Cap' Fishbourn & M^ Archer my 
two aids De Camp, who on every Occasion shewed 
the greatest Intripidity & Supported me into the 
Works after I had rec*? my wound in passing the 
last Abbatis — 

Enclosed are Returns of the killed & wounded 
belonging to the Light Corps, as also that of the 
enemy together with the number of prisoners 
taken, Likewise of the Ordnance & Stores found 
in the Garrison 

I had forgot to Inform your Excellency that 
previous to the assault I had ordered Genl Much- 
lingburg into my rear who with three hundred 
men of his Brigade took post on the Opposite 
side of the Marsh, so as to be in readiness either 
to Support us, or to cover a Retreat in case of 
accident, & have not the least doubt of his faith- 
fully & Effectually executing either had there 
been an Occasion for it 

the Humanity of our brave soldiery who 
scorned to take the lives of vanquished foe's 
calling for mercy reflects the highest Honor on 
them & accounts for so few of the Enemy being 
killed on the Occasion 

I am not fully satisfied with the manner in 
which I have mentioned Lieu- Gibbons of the 
6th & Lieu' Knox of the 9th Penns^ Regi- 
ments, the two gentlemen who led the advanced 
parties of each Colunm — the first had 17 men 
killed & wounded out of twenty — the latter tho' 
not quite so unfortunate in that Respect was 
nevertheless equally exposed — they both behaved 

16 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



with an Intrepidity & address that would have 
given Credit to the oldest Soldier, 

I have the honor to be with Singular Re- 
spect 

Your Excellency's most Obt & very 
Hum' Sev' 

Ant"^' Wayne 
His Excellency 

Gen"" Washington 



GENERAL PUTNAM TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

Camp Butter Milk falls 
July 22. 1779 

Sir 

The General Officers are now assembled at my 
Quarters, & only wait for you to proceed on the 
business pointed out by his Excellency the Com- 
mander in Cheif — As you was notified of this 
yesterday, I hoped they would not have been 
delay'd on this account — Should be glad you 
would attend immediately if possible as the 
Gentlemen think they cannot transact the busi- 
ness without you, & some of them are far from 
their Quarters, & consequently a delay will be 
very inconvenient for them. 
I am Sir 

Your most Obed' & 

very Hble Serv' 

Israel Putnam M G 
17 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



P.S. If Gen". Wayne is not with the Light 
Troops I desire the Senior Officer will attend — 

(Outside address) 

To 

Brig''- Ger/- Wayne 

or Commanding Officer 
of the 

Light Troops 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL 
WAYNE. 

West-point July 30'.'' 1779 

T>ear Sir ; 

Your favor of this date came duly to hand — I 
shall certainly not undertake anything (capital) 
without your knowledge — I wish for your opinion 
as a friend — not as a commanding officer of the 
light Troops — whether another attempt upon 
Stoney point, by way of surprize, is eligible — (In 
any other manner under present appearances, and 
information, no good, I am sure, can result from 

it).- 

Lord Cornwallis is undoubtedly arrived, and I 
have information that bears all the marks of 
authenticity, that Admiral Arbuthnot with the 
grand fleet left Torbay the 26'!^ of May, with (as 
it is said) 7000 Troops, Hessians and British, for 
America — A deserter who left the City of New 
York on Tuesday last says, it was reported that a 
number of Transports had arrived at Sandy Hook 
— Firing he himself heard — I have not heard, nor 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



is it my belief, that Lord Cornwallis supercedes 
Sir Harry. 

I am very sincerely and 

Affectionately — D' Sir 

Y^* G? Washington. 

(Outside address) 

Brig''- Gen^- Wayne^ 

New-Windsor 
G"- Washington 



GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

Saratoga July 30'.'^ 1779 

Dear Sir 

Yesterday I was honored with a line from our 
Amiable General advising me of the reduction of 
Stoney point and dwelling on the propriety and 
Bravery with which It was Executed. — It was not 
the least part of my satisfaction to hear that You 
Conducted It And I most Sincerely Congratu- 
late you on the Increase of honor you have Ac- 
quired, Such of the Enemy as have hitherto 
held Erroneous Ideas of the Military prowess of 
our troops must now be perfectly Convinced of 
their mistake. — 

Pray make not my Compliments only but my 
Love to S' Clair and do you and he continue 
Yours For that Great good man to whom we are 
so much Indebted — 

Remember me to Your family In which I In- 

IQ ** 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



elude those I have been happy with at Your 
Quarters 

adieu 

I am Dear Sir 

Most Sincerely Your 

Obedient Servant 

P Schuyler 

A Slight remains of an Indisposition prevents 
me from a visit to the Army I hope however 
soon to have the pleasure of seeing You 

Br: Gen. Wayne. 



CHARLES LEE TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

Berkley County, August ye 1 1"' 1779 
Sir — 

You will do me the justice to acknowledge 
that at the time I was taught to think (I am sure 
without foundation) that you were one of the 
most active in my prosecution I gave it as my 
opinion that you were a brave Officer and honest 
Man — You must likewise recollect that when you 
sent me a certain Message at Elizabeth Town I 
told you that if I was appointed to a command, 
and had my choice of Brigadiers, you should be 
one of my first election — I hope therefore that 
what I am going to say you will not consider as 
paying my court in this your hour of glory, for 
as it is at least my present intention to leave this 
Continent, where I have been so scurvily and un- 
gratefully treated, I can have no interest in pay- 
ing my court to any Individual — What I shall 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



say therefore is dictated by the genuine feeUngs 
of my heart — I do most sincerely declare that 
your action on the assault of Stony Point is not 
only the most brilliant, in my opinion, through 
the whole course of this War on either side, but 
that it is one of the most brilliant I am ac- 
quainted with in history — Upon my soul, the 
assault of Sweidnitz by Marshal Laudon I think 
inferior to it — I wish you therefore most sin- 
cerely joy of the laurels you have deservedly 
acquird, and that you may long live to wear — 
and if you have leisure (as I am curious in these 
details) to inform me of the particular order of 
your disposition you will much oblige one who 
is without flattery with respect and no small 
admiration Your most obedt humble Servt 

Charles Lee. 

(Outside address) 

Brig'r General Wayne 

Philadelphia 



GENERAL WAYNE TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 

Light Infantry Camp near 
Fort Mont'y Sep"^ 24'''^ '779 
Dear Sir 

Among the many Congratulatory letters which 
I have rec"? from diiferent Quarters on the Re- 
duction of Stoney Point, I met with none which 
gave me one half the pleasure I experienced from 
yours of the 31'' July — because I know it to be 
the effects of friendship, as it's strongly marked 
with that Character^ 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



If I have fought with some success the con- 
sciousness of having endeavoured to do my duty, 
added to the Approbation of my friends — such 
friends as you — is to me a rich reward 

I must now beg your pardon for not acknowl- 
edging it sooner — but you are to blame yourself 
for the Omission — & give me leave to Insist on 
your Compliance with your promise of visiting 
the Light Corps — it is a debt which of all Others 
I can never agree to Compound for — I therefore 
in the most serious manner call on you for In- 
stant payment. 

Interim believe me with every 

Sentiment of Esteem yours 
Most Sincerely 

AntT Wayne 

Major Gen"- Schuyler 



GENERAL WAYNE TO GENERAL WASHING- 
TON. 

Camp at Steenropia io"' Sep" 1780 

Sir 

When your Excellency was pleased to lay a 
state of matters before the Council of War the 
6'*" of June, the prospects were extremely flatter- 
ing, — we had great expectations from the prom- 
ised succours by his most Christian Majesty — 
as well as from the exertions of these States 

upon this ground I did myself the honor of 
giving an opinion to your Excellency in writing 
of what I then thought the . most feasible & 
proper point of Co-operation, but the Interven- 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



tion of a Superior fleet to that of our Allies in 
these seas — the blockade of Brest — in which 
port the second Division intended for America 
is shut up — & the tedious delay of Operation in 
the West Indies — together with the Defficiency 
of promised aid & Supplies in the United States, 
have materially altered the Complexion of Affairs 

from a comparative view of the strength of 
the Armies under the Immediate Command of 
your Excellency — & that of S"" Henry CUnton, 
I find the numbers rather in favor of the Enemy, 
— the recent Military check we reed in South 
Carolina has given Lord Cornwallis a decided 
Superiority in that Quarter, — at Penobscut the 
enemy appear well Established — & in Canada a 
Combined Operation can not take place until 
another season 

could any Period be fixed for the Arrival of a 
fleet either from Europe or the West Indies so as 
to give our Allies the Sovereignty of these Seas 
— I should not be at a loss in giving an Opinion 
on this Occasion — but as this is only Problem- 
atical or at most Eventual — I must acknowledge 
that I see nothing but a choice of Difficulties left 
to Determine upon — among others that of expe- 
riencing every extreme of Distress at this stage of 
the Campaign for want of Provisions is of the 
most Alarming Nature, & would of itself be 
sufficient to defeat any the best plan in the power 
of a General to Devise 

In full confidence that Supplies of every kind 
will be more regular in future — & in the pre- 
sumption that the french forces now at Rhode 

23 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



Island, are subject to your Excellency's Com- 
mand — I would advise you (in the absence of the 
British fleet) to order the troops to form a Junc- 
tion with you the soonest possible, sending the 
Shipping round to Boston Harbour — where if I 
am rightly Informed they may ride secure and 
without danger of being attacked, as the Enemy 
dare not Detatch their fleet & Operating Land 
force — to so great a Distance whilst your Excel- 
lency remains in the Vicinity of New York at the 
Head of a Combined & puissant Army ready 
to seize the first Opening to enter where the 
Enemy may be deemed most Vulnerable 

I also am lead to this Opinion on the eventual 
arrival of a Naval & perhaps Land force — in 
time to Operate with effect — against that place — 
which will be much forwarded by these troops 
being near the point of Action — a move of this 
nature will at all events leave it in your Excel- 
lency's power to make a Detatchment towards 
the Southward in some Degree adequate to the 
Magnitude of the Object, — & yet be in a Con- 
dition to afford cover to the Country — until the 
arrival of Re-enforcements from Europe or the 
West Indies — which may give you an Oppor- 
tunity to Operate either in this Quarter or at 
Charles town as Circumstances might then Offer, 
— & if disappointed in this — you'l be able to main- 
tain your Ground free from Insult until the States 
have time to recruit their Army for the War & 
to bring them into the field Properly appointed 
& duly rationed, which is the only measure that 
can save this Country from Impending ruin, 

24 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



the Junction of these troops will also afford a 
favorable opening for entering Canada by the 
Lake Champlain during the Winter, should the 
situation of Affiiirs render that an Adviseable 
Object, nor will the troops of france experience 
those Difficulties that we have been subject to, — 
their hard Cash will always Command a Redun- 
dancy of every necessary in a Country, — not so 
much exhausted with respect to Supplies, — as in 
want of faith in our paper Currency 

I am further stimulated to this advice by the ap- 
parent preparation for an Embarkation of troops 
both horse & foot at New York — which may 
give the wished for opening to Carry that City 
whilst the attention of S' Henry Clinton is drawn 
to some other Quarter — on the presumption that 
your force will not be adequate to enterprise any- 
thing against that post at this late season, — & 
that the french will remain in their present posi- 
tion — nor shall I be disappointed if Adm' Ar- 
bouthnot with the bulk of his Fleet should favor 
the Operations of S- Harry on the same ground, 
in full expectation of returning in time to pre- 
vent any serious Consequences taking place during 
a temporary Absence 

Upon the whole 1 am fully of Opinion that 
without a Change of Circumstances our present 
force is not adequate to act in an Open OtFensive 
manner, — yet by one of these Delicate eventual 
manoeuvres sometimes practiced — we might 
cause the Enemy to Commit themselves in a 
point of which Advantage may be taken, & 
pushed with effect, but this is an Idea yet in 

25 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



embryo — which when mature I shall do myself 
the honor of Communicating Viva Voce 

I also think that you can not make any consid- 
erable Detatchment — until the Junction already 
mentioned takes place : or until the Enemy De- 
tatch on their part, which may very soon be the 
case, & probably by that time — we may have it 
in our power to proceed to Charles town, by 
water — an event devoutly to be wished — as a 
March by land must naturally reduce the troops 
at least one third — occasioned by Desertion sick- 
ness and other Casualties incident to all Armies 
during a tedious & Distant tour 

I have the honor to be your Excellency's 
Most Obt 

and very 

Hum Serv' 

Ant"!' Wayne 
His Excellency 

Gen'' Washington 



LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

On Board the Sloop Dolphin at 
THE Mouth of Elk River March the 
9th 1781 

My Dear Sir 

When your fivor of the 7*" Came to Hand 
we were just embarked for our Voyage, and Before 
I am launched into the Bay, I will answer to the 
articles which your letter Contains 

26 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



The place of debarkation, My dear friend, is as 
I told you at Philadelphia, in some place about 
Portsmouth which will Be determined on our 
Arrival at Hampton Road — There I Hope to 
Meet some of our Allies, and immediately to 
Act Against the forces under Arnold 

our little fleet under Convoy of Armed Vessels 
is going to Annapolis where I Hope to be met 
By a french frigat — But the general directs me 
to keep this plan very secret. 

By what you write to me, My dear Sir, you 
Cannot Have a detachement Ready at Head of 
Elk Before the 20'*", and your presence May Be 
wanting to put the others in Motion — But I 
would Be very desirous of Availing Myself of 
your Advices and exertions as soon as you Could 
make up any detachement whatsoever — When on 
the other Hand, in Case we make a Coup de main 
of the attack at portsmouth I would not Have 
you to take the trouble of going to the purpose 
to much out of your Way 

I will Be at portsmouth and a letter May Be 
Back at the Head of Elk Before you Can pos- 
sibly move a body of 400 men — from my Con- 
versation with the Commanders of french forces 
I may Be able to know if you Have Time to 
join us, and the intelligence will Be immedi- 
ately forwarded — I think a good place for your 
Rendezvous would be such a one as May Con- 
duct you to Virginia Both By Alexandria and 
Head of Elk — But am to far from Hoping 
that your Troops May Arrive in Time, that 
I would Be sorry too much to divert your at- 

27 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



tention from the first object of your destina- 
tion 

With the Most sincere affection and Regard 
I Have the Honor to be Dear Sir 
Yours 

Lafayette 

Be pleased to let the quarter master at Head of 
Elk know where He is to send my letter to you 



GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WAYNE. 

Headquarters 

Charles town June 26th 1783 

Dear Sir 

I have had the pleasure of receiving two letters 
from you since you left this place one from Au- 
gusta the other from Savannah. The grant of 
the Cherokees I imagine will be ot but little con- 
sequence it the Creeks continue to disclaim their 
right of granting. An Indian war I expect will 
be the consequence and it Georgia is not aided 
by the neighboring states or the force of the State 
greatly increased by new settlers the Indians will 
contend upon no very unequal footing. I wish all 
these matters were to be settled by Commissioners 
from Congress Both parties perhaps would be 
better satisfied. It is pretty certain there would 
be less reason tor disputes. 

Congress have forwarded me a resolution tor 
furloughing the Army ; and orders are gone out 
for the purpose. Major Habersham has a copy 
of the orders and the resolution. Transport are 

28 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



hourly expected to take the Northern Troops to 
the respective States to which they belong where 
both Men and Officers are to be furloughed until 
the signing of the definitive treaty and then to be 
discharged. 

What has become of the Virginia Infantry you 
took with you ? Have they gone to Virginia on 
the uper route or are they to join here again ? 

Since you left us there has been great uneasi- 
ness among the Troops from an impatience to 
get home The terrors of the climate and the 
discontent natural to idleness has produced great 
desertions ; and near one half the 3^^ Regiment 
of Cavalry went off in a body. 

All our Waggons and public Stores in the 
Quarter Masters department are sold. Our Mili- 
tary Stores are depositing in the Magazine of this 
State and all our arrangements are drawing to a 
close. I expect to leave this place in less than a 
month for Philadelphia. What can Governor 
Tonyn mean by his extraordinary conduct ? It 
must be the effects of temper ; and not the result 
of orders. However Congress have remonstrated 
against the conduct of the british Generals in 
withholding the property of the people of the 
United States contrary to treaty. 

Dueling thrives apace here. Cap Pendleton 
and M": Waters have been out the latter got 
wounded the former not. Col. Easton has been 
out with a Mr": Rule; but the matter was accomo- 
dated on the ground. Disputes have run high 
among a number more ; but the intervention of 
friends prevented a serious appeal to heaven. 

29 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



Mrs Greene sailed for Philadelphia about fort- 
night since and left her good wishes for you on 
your return. How is Major Fishbourn ? We 
hear he has been at deaths door and gave a soft 
tap but was not admitted. Present me respect- 
fully to all friends in Georgia and believe me to 
be with esteem and affection your 
Most obedt 

humble Servt 

Nath Greene. 
General Wayne. 



GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT TO GENERAL 
PERSIFER F. SMITH. 

Augusta, Geo. May 27, 1836. 

My dear Colonel or rather General: 

I am bound to the Chatahoochee to take 
upon myself the direction of the war against 
the Creeks. Would to God that I had you & 
your effective corps to assist in putting down 
this new enemy. With him we shall certainly 
have a fight. He cannot escape & lose himself 
in hammocks, Savannahs, cypress swamps, ever 
glades, etc. 

I received your report & in sending it to the 
War Department made an endorsement to this 
effect : 

The only objection to this report is the dis- 
paraging manner in which the gallant colonel 
speaks of himself He is a first rate officer, & 
has gone as far in the expedition entrusted to him, 

30 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



& covered as much ground as I had expected. 
No doubt he was as much distressed at not find- 
ing an enemy as I am disappointed in that par- 
ticular. 

Do not miscontrue my letter to the Adjutant 
General of the 30th ultimo that has been pub- 
lished. See my reply to Capt, Robertson of this 
place, dated yesterday, & which is published. 
In great haste 

Very truly yr friend 

WiNFiELD Scott. 

I have just written to friend Lawson to join 
me with all speed. 

W. S. 
Gen"" Persifer F. Smith 
&c &c &c. 

(Outside address) 

To 
General P. F. Smith 

Adjutant Gen'- 

of Louisiana^ 

New Orleans. 



GENERAL GEORGE B. McCLELLAN TO GEN- 
ERAL P. F. SMITH. 

West Point N. Y. Sept. 21" 1848 
My dear General., 

It appears that an Engineer Officer is to be 
detailed for duty in Oregon, to report to you & 
accompany you on your march next Spring ; as 
I am quite tired of civilization, and am very 
anxious to go with you, I take the liberty of 

31 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



asking you whether you would have any objec- 
tion to having me in that position — I take it for 
granted that if there is any other Engr. Officer 
whom you would prefer, that you will tell me at 
once, & I'll have no more to say on the subject. 
Gibbs tells me that you are going to Washington 
as soon as the Sectry. of War returns, will I be 
asking too much of you, if you are willing to 
have me, in requesting you to apply to the Sectry 
and to Gen. Totten for me. I do not suppose that 
there will be very many applicants for Oregon, so 
that I anticipate little or no difficulty in the mat- 
ter. I suppose that I shall have to go in that 
direction anyhow at some period during the next 
lo or 15 years, and I should prefer going now 
whilst young & having the disposition to lead 
an active life. 

I can't say how much I'll be obliged to you. 
General, if you will push the matter & take me 
with you " for better & worse." 

Your namesake, whose name you never coald 
remember, is still here, and well. 

Everyone here says that you must come on to 
see us, I know that you would be pleased to see 
something of the Academy, & you will find 
here some of the " Old Division." 

Please give my best respects to Mrs. Smith 
and believe me to be 

your most obdt servant 

Geo B McClellan 

Lt of Engrs. 



32 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



PRESIDENT TAYLOR TO GENERAL P. F. SMITH. 

Washington, April 2/49 

Dear General^ 

You will doubtless learn before this can reach 
you, that Congress has adjourned without making 
any adequate provision for the formation of a 
Government or the establishment of our laws in 
California. It is greatly deplored by moderate 
men of all parties that nothing has been done to 
meet the wants of that country, now filling rapidly 
up with a hardy and enterprising population, and 
among the most important duties presented to the 
administration is that of facilitating and hastening 
by all the legitimate means at its command, the 
organization of a state government in California 
with a view to the establishment of law and order 
in that country and its early admission into the 
Union. 

In the absence of a civil government, it will 
doubtless be in your power as senior officer of the 
troops quartered in California to do much in pro- 
moting an end so desirable, not only to the people 
of that country, but for particular reasons, to all 
well-wishers of the Union at home. The Govern- 
ment confidently relies upon your well-known 
patriotism to exert in that behalf the influence 
which your reputation, your abilities and high 
character cannot fail to give you. 

This letter will be handed you by the Hon. 
T. Butler King, who has been employed by 
the government to proceed to California for the 
purpose of collecting statistical information to 
the country and its population, and particularly 

33 

L.ofC. 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



to encourage the speedy organization of a govern- 
ment and the adoption of necessary laws for the 
protection of life and property. Mr. King is too 
well and favorably known to render it necessary 
for me to recommend him personally to your 
kind attention. He will confer with you in regard 
to the objects of his mission and I have to request 
that you will furnish him and his party such escorts 
and transportation as he may require in moving 
from place to place, and aiford him generally every 
aid and facility in your power that may assist him 
in carrying out the instructions of the Govern- 
ment. 

We are anxious to hear of the safe arrival of 
Mrs. Smith and yourself in California and hope 
you will find the climate & country agreeable. 
We were gratified to see that you had reached 
Acapulco and other Mexican ports without acci- 
dent. 

With my kind regards to your lady and best 
wishes for yourself, 

I remain Yrs. very truly, 

Z. Taylor. 

Maj. Gen" P. F. Smith, U. S. A. 

Commanding in California^ 
San Francisco^ 

Cal 



34 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



JEFFERSON DAVIS TO GENERAL P. F. SMITH. 

War Department 
Washington Sept, 3d. 1856 

Sir, 

Your dispatch of 21^ August and its enclo- 
sures sufficiently exhibit the inadequacy of the 
force under your command to perform the duties 
which have been devolved upon you in the 
present unhappy condition of Kansas by the 
orders and instructions heretofore communicated. 
To meet this exigency the President has directed 
the Governor of the Territory to complete the 
enrolment and organization of the militia, as you 
will find fully set forth in the enclosed copy of a 
letter addressed to him by the Secretary of State ; 
and the President has directed me to say to you 
that you are authorized, from time to time, to 
make requisitions upon the Governor for such 
militia force as you may require to enable you 
promptly and successfully to execute your orders 
and suppress insurrection against the government 
of the Territory of Kansas, and, under the cir- 
cumstances heretofore set forth in your instruc- 
tions, to give the requisite aid to the officers of 
the civil government who may be obstructed in 
the due execution of the law. Should you not 
be able to derive from the militia of Kansas the 
adequate force for these purposes, such additional 
number of militia as may be necessary, will be 
drawn from the States of Illinois and Kentucky, 
as shown in the requisition, copy of which is 
here enclosed. 

35 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



The views contained in your instructions to 
the officers commanding the troops, under date 
of August 19: are fully approved, and accord so 
entirely with the purposes of the Executive as to 
leave but little to add in relation to the course 
which it is desired you should pursue. The posi- 
tion of the insurgents, as shown by your letter 
and its enclosures, is that ot open rebellion against 
the laws and constitutional authorities, with such 
manifestation of a purpose to spread devastation 
over the land as no longer justifies further hesita- 
tion or indulgence. To you, as to every soldier, 
whose habitual feeling is to protect the citizens of 
his own country, and only to use his arms against 
a public enemy, it cannot be otherwise than deeply 
painful to be brought into conflict with any por- 
tion of his fellow countrymen. But, patriotism 
and humanity alike require that rebellion should 
be promptly crushed, and the perpetration ot the 
crimes which now disturb the peace and security 
of the good people of the Territory of Kansas, 
should be effectually checked. You ' will, there- 
fore, energetically employ all the means within 
your reach to restore the supremacy of law, 
always endeavoring to carry out your present 
purpose to prevent the unnecessary effusion of 
blood. 

In making your requisitions for militia force, 
you will be governed by the existing organiza- 
tion of the Army and the laws made and pro- 
vided in such cases. When companies, regi- 
ments, brigades, or divisions, are presented to be 
mustered into the Service of the United States, 

36 



HISTORIC LETTERS. 



you will cause them before they are received to 
be minutely inspected by an officer of your com- 
mand, appointed for the purpose. 
Very respectfully 

Your Obt Servt, 
Jeffn. Davis 

Secretary of War^ 
Major General Persifer F. Smith 
Comdg. Dept of the West 




Franklin's Clock. 
Bought by Benjamin Price, of West Chester, at a sale of Ben- 
jamin Franklin's effects. Now the property of the West Ches- 
ter State Normal School. 



37 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



011 712 291 8 



